27 April 2013, Pretoria, South Africa – The Order of Mapungubwe: Silver, was bestowed upon SKA SA Project Director Dr Bernie Fanaroff at an event held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, in Pretoria, on Freedom Day, 27 April.

“Today we are honouring individuals who walked the extra mile to improve the lot of humanity and have contributed in elevating our country to great heights among other nations,” President Jacob Zuma said.

The Order of Mapungubwe is South Africa’s highest honour awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement. Dr Fanaroff was recognised for his contribution to astronomy and dedication in raising South Africa’s international stature as a world-class research destination, particularly in securing the African share of the SKA Project.

Since the announcement that South Africa and Africa will co-host the iconic Square Kilometre Array was made on 25 May 2012, Dr Fanaroff and South Africa’s SKA team have received several rewards. Fanaroff has always stressed the huge contribution of his incredibly hard-working and loyal team, and insists that the credit for the successful bid cannot be claimed by one person.